Halloween (or as we like to call it, “Howl-o-ween”) is coming up at the end of October, and we thought our readers might enjoy going to one or more of the various dog-oriented parades and parties taking place during the latter part of the month. Some are free, others have a fee for entry. Here is some of what we found:

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Pawrade & Pet ExpoThis event is hosted by Dogs For Life, Inc. (DFL), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to the community by training hearing dogs and service dogs, and by owning and managing an off-leash dog park. This is the 10th Anniversary of this Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Pawrade and Pet Expo, and it will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the dog park, located on the corner of 12th St and 16th Ave in Vero Beach.

The public is invited to bring their dogs on-leash and in-costume for a FREE and fun pawrade. Many raffle prizes will be available and prizes will be awarded to all pawrade participants.

Other activities include a Military Color Guard by the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 3918, a Multi Law-Enforcement K-9 Demonstration, and new this year entertainment by Hobo Jim and food prepared by the American Vets Post 6.

DFL will give a presentation on their Assistance Dog Program and the Pet Assisted Therapy Dog Certification Programs. Information will be available on membership to the off-leash dog park. Bring your lawn chairs and be prepared to have fun.

Vendor opportunities are available starting at $100. Sponsorship opportunities start at $25. Non-Profit Organizations are invited to have a vendor booth for FREE.

You're guaranteed a howling good time at Epicure’s 2nd Annual Halloween Party to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Bring the whole family - and your 4-legged friends - to enjoy plenty of food and discounted drinks, underwritten by Epicure Market, and entertainment for everyone. There will be prizes for the categories of Best Doggie Costume; Best Adult and Dog Combo; and Best Child and Dog Team. So dress for the occasion and plan to take part in the costume parade. RSVP to Laurie Hoffman today!

Enjoy a Halloween "prequel" with a day full of activities for everyone in the family especially your four legged friends. There will be a Pet Fair featuring pet adoption agencies, vendors, activities and a pet costume parade. Continue the fun with a treat for all the senses, smell the air, hear the sounds, as the gardens come to life during a GHOSTLY Flashlight Tour through the Gardens. Finally, end the day with a family movie under the stars, Disney's Spooky Buddies. Howl-o-ween at FairchildSunday, Oct 30 9:30aat Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, FLPrice: $25; $12 childrenAge Suitability: None SpecifiedTags: nature, outdoors

This Howl-o-ween bring your dog to Fairchild! Enjoy special activities for pups as you parade through Fairchild's lush surroundings showing off your Howl-o-ween costumes. You and your dog can eat delicious food, hear informative lectures, watch obedience and rally demonstrations or enter the costume contest to win prizes. Now that's something to wag your tail about! Rules and Regulations:To protect our plant collections, please keep your dogs on the path or on grassy areas. Dogs are not permitted to walk onto planting beds. Dogs must be current on all vaccinations and have a current rabies tag attached to their collar. Dogs must be leashed at all times and under the control of their handlers. Do not unleash your dog at any time. Dog handlers are required to clean-up after their dogs. Dog handlers must use "doggie bags" and dispose of them in the designated receptacle. Aggressive dogs are not permitted in the garden. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden reserves the right to refuse entry to, or remove, any dog thought to be dangerous to visitors or other dogs. Dogs in heat are prohibited from entering the garden. Most importantly, we ask that you use good judgment on all matters concerning your dog. This will ensure an enjoyable and safe visit for you and your best pal. Admission: Free for Fairchild Members and children 5 and under. Non-members: $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and $12 for children 6-17. Eco-discount: If you walk, ride your bike or take public transportation to Fairchild, receive $5 off admission for adults and $2 off admission for children. Members, remember to bring your Rewards Card to earn your gift passes! Military Discount: We are pleased to offer active military personnel free admission. In addition, admission for spouses is $20 and children $10. Please present Military IDHalloween on the MileMiracle Mile Coral Gableshttp://shopcoralgables.com/3-6 p.m.October 31, 2011

Filled with safe Halloween activities for the kids, Downtown Coral Gables invites costumed kids and families to enjoy scary storytelling, live entertainment, and kiddie and doggie costume contests while walking on the “Mile”. Don’t forget to stop by the Halloween-themed photo booth!Here at Lucky Dogs we thought it would be fun to have a costume contest. We will put the pictures you send us on the Lucky Dogs page at Facebook, and whichever one gets the most “likes” by October 31 will be our winner. The winner will receive a Lucky Dogs t-shirt.

It is not necessary for the photo to be recent, but it is important that we can clearly see the costume. We would also like to hear any stories you have about your pets and Howl-o-ween. Good luck, and whatever you decide to do, have a happy and safe Howl-o-ween!

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